Overview

• The Palestinian Football Association confirmed that Israeli forces opened fire on civilians queuing at a distribution centre in southern Gaza, killing al-Obeid on August 6.
• Known as the “Pele of Palestinian football,” al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals during his career and earned 24 international caps for Palestine.
• His death raises the number of athletes and their family members killed in Gaza since October 2023 to 662, according to PFA records.
• The Palestine Olympic Committee reported that at least 13 athletes and coaches were killed by Israeli strikes or ground incursions in July 2025 alone.
• Strict restrictions on food and medical supplies have deepened Gaza’s hunger crisis and made humanitarian aid points increasingly dangerous for civilians.